The Next Step

By Racheal Kalaba, 2nd year MDP student

Having finished my placement with the Canadian Red Cross, submitted my final paper and reflection, I took the time to reflect on what is next as an MDP graduate of 2020.  Just a recap, The Canadian Red Cross Mission is to improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity in Canada and around the world. The seven principles of the Canadian Red Cross are Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity, and Universality.

My overall experience for the placement is mixed, initially when I wanted to do the placement, the aim was to gain more understanding of how to do development differently, coming from Zambia and always working with diverse organizations, I was eager to work in the emergency sector. I have learned and re-learned so much, I realize that many development organizations need a paradigm shift to include Indigenous ways of learning and perspectives. Indigenous and community-led research is critical in doing the ‘development’ work differently. I have also learned to position myself in situations that even if I am doing the MDP program, I cannot speak for and on behalf of Indigenous people in Canada, but instead understand how policies can be best aligned to support Indigenous people in Canada. It is important to be aware of the situations we may find ourselves as MDPers and always note that sustainable development is done with communities and not for them.

Key learnings were that we need to be more aware when we read the information on social media, academic writings, etc., always ask; from whose lens was it written? Another concept is the importance of identifying allies in workplaces and academic spaces, as this is critical for long term relationship building and support.

I would say the ubuntu concept of “I am because you are, you are because I am.” This is an African concept that talks about relationships and the community. After my course, I believe that it resonates well with the Indigenous way of being and doing. I further reflect the Ubuntu concept with the four Rs: Relationship, Reciprocity, Respect, and Reflectivity.  In reflecting on how I have applied my skills from class to placement, work, and life; I note that this has been in various ways. The key takeaways are mostly research and analytical skills, project planning and management, statistical analysis, business planning, financial projection and analysis, and Indigenous worldviews. I have used these skills in my placement with Red Cross Canada in Manitoba.  I am grateful for having learned so much from my professors, cohort, and mentors and excited for the next journey that awaits.